There was a lot of scepticism from Manchester City fans in the summer when their club paid £65 million to sign Benfica centre-back Ruben Dia,s but the Portuguese international has now established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet under Pep Guardiola.
Ahead of the 23-year-old’s arrival at the Etihad, some City fans voiced their displeasure with his potential signing on Twitter, suggesting that they were ‘underwhelmed’ by the signing.
Koulibaly rumors-> Kounde rumors -> finally signing Ruben Dias?! Prove me wrong please. Never been so underwhelmed by a Pep signing.
— Yuvraj Bains (@RealYuvrajBains) September 26, 2020
im very underwhelmed about Dias and dont have a good feeling about the signing and feel disappointed but happy to be proved wrong
— Leo (@LeoAbelson) September 26, 2020
However, opinions on the 23-year-old have quickly changed as he has enjoyed a superb debut season in the top-flight for Guardiola’s side, forming an incredible partnership at the back with John Stones.
Did you expect Dias to be this good?
Yes
No
The Portuguese international has averaged a solid 6.97 rating for his performances in the top-flight, with the Citizens keeping a remarkable 23 clean sheets in the 38 games he has featured in for the Citizens in all competitions so far this campaign.
City fans have been singing his praises on Twitter for most of the season now, as his performances have helped Guardiola’s side establish themselves at the top of the Premier League, whilst they are still going strong in the Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Ruben Dias, could very well be our best signing since Vincent Kompany! The guy is immense!
— Paul MCFC Johnston (@mothball69) January 7, 2021
Ruben Dias has to win the YPOTY and the POTY this year. His impact on this Man City team is immense.
In a similar situation yesterday, especially after conceding the penalty, any other defender would have had a terrible time. He kept on going and put the incident behind him.
— Guardiolic (@KhaldoonsLawyer) February 8, 2021
Ruben Dias impact on this football club is absolutely incredible. The hero we got but don’t deserve.. pic.twitter.com/kr2X4PJ5MH
— J.S (@MCFCBaller) December 5, 2020
Therefore, it is easy to see the change in mood from a lot of City fans following Dias’ signing, as surely few would have predicted just how much of an impact he would have in his debut season.
It is fair to suggest, therefore, that despite some of the critisism he recieved at the time, sporting director Txiki Begiristain delivered another masterclass when signing the £63 million-rated centre-back last summer.
And, in other news… 13 duels won: £150k-p/w City star was Pep’s best performer vs Everton